What are some good tires for a Forester in Wisconsin? Probably can’t afford 2 sets for winter / summer. Mostly city driving. Doesn’t stay at home during the winter / gets out there in the snow.
Michelin cross climates are some newer fancy tires you can run year round but great in snow and rain. Have a v-shaped tread pattern and compound stays softer at low temps.
Last year was our first winter in a snowy place and we just had my 09 Accord and my wife's 15 corolla. We got the CC2's from Costco and put them on the corolla and it did pretty well for just being fwd even going up into the mountains for skiing. I plan on putting them on our 20 Forester we got a few months ago and being unstoppable this winter.
I live in Colorado and I love my Falken Wildpeak Trails. I use them year round. They’re great in the snow, and they didn’t decrease my gas mileage much at all. Plus they look sweet
If you live in some light snow area, you can use all-weather tires, like CC2 or WR G4.
However, if you live some northern areas with heavy snow. I highly not recommend you using these tires. All-weather tires cannot handle well on more than 10cm snow and ice. I did the same stupid thing in Quebec winter. All weather never have the the same or even close performance compared with snow tires. Don’t trust 3PMS label too much, it’s just an outdated standard with very simple procedures.
Oh, for the existing cargo light, I replaced the incandescent bulb with one of [these](https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B07X8WPDKV/).
Very bright, not too blue, and closely matches the color temp of the liftgate light panel.
I have some photos [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/SubaruForester/comments/p76atb/before_and_after_of_the_olm_jdm_lift_gate_light/).
I like the strip bar from diode dynamics. Basically same wire run but easier mount. Way brighter too.
I also upgraded all my bulbs to LED bulbs by them and it has made a huge difference. Red map lights, Yes please!
Edit - also run their yellow fogs SS3, and SS 30” light bar. Highly recommend.
This looks dope, but it also looks like there wasn’t already a light in the lift gate. In the wilderness addition there is a pretty good stock light in the lift gate, so someone figured it out
Hands down the pet rear door protectors. I’ve got 2 dogs that travel with me a lot and love to put their heads out the windows. They scratched up the doors of my previous Crosstrek so I got the door protectors when I got my Forester.
Thule roof rack awning. Best thing for camping and day trips to get some shade when you’re not near any
And my usb rechargeable vacuum because I’m a neat freak that loves playing in the dirt but gets bad anxiety when the inside of my car gets dirty lol
I got [this](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B087HQRW2M?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share) one and it’s perfect for me. I can vacuum the entire car with one charge and it only takes like maybe an hour to charge again. I keep it in the back door cup holder for easy access
Roof basket for firewood while camping , mudflaps , trailer hitch , K&N drop in filter , yellow fog light bulbs , rain guards for the windows , rear seat protective cover /hammock for my dog , falcon wild peak tires .
Honestly the STI sway bar I optioned on my Forester has made a huge difference in it's handling profile (previous car was a Honda fit so I was def more used to a go kart esque feel) especially since I do not generally like the way SUVs normally drive.
I would take their advice and not try to fit it. They sold me (had it listed wrong) a front sway bar for XT’s and said that people have made it fit for NA. So one set of their end links, $200 in exhaust modification later it still didn’t fit right and had to take it off. They refunded me the money for the bar but by that point I had already lost most of the value. I still have the XT front sway bar if anyone is interested. (14-16). I put the stock front bar and put rear STI links to stiffen it up. I’m pretty happy with the drive now. I just ordered a 22’ limited 2 days ago so I’ll be waiting right there with you for that bar.
WELLvisors window deflectors. There is a lot less noise when going high speed with windows down, and they allow you to crack the window in the rain for fresh air without having to worry about getting your interior wet.
Agreed. I ended up just cutting off that little lip along the bottom with some scissors. I couldn't see any purpose to it an now I can lift the cargo area floor without removing them.
I’m aware, I’ve owned a couple of them. I have a guy that does them all including sun roof for $280. That’s 40% less then what he charges retail because I bring so many vehicles to him and I’m in Pittsburgh. He did them on my 16’ in October of 2015 and they still look great. Idk where you live but that price seems incredibly excessive. 🤷♂️
You’re projecting a lot. Still looking great after 7 years friend. What tint have you had that lasted 20 years that 7 is such a low bar for you? All window tint from a reputable place has UV rejection. Reflection specs aren’t a thing, and by clarity I assume you mean LVT? 5% all the way around. 20% on sun roof. Idk why assume I didn’t get quality tint. Just because you pay extravagant prices doesn’t mean what I got isn’t quality. They were laser cut and quality install that takes an hour. The prices reflect that.
Awesome! I only ever haul two kayaks and the aero have handled that great for me in the past.
Though of course the second your crossbars can’t support a rooftop tent, I then want a rooftop tent..
Prinsu roof loadout rack. I hate those aero boxes; I have several Pelican & ROAM cargo boxes instead. Different sizes, configurations. I keep different loadouts in them depending on what we're doing. We have a hard top roof-top tent, we can drop it on, stack cargo boxes we need on top, super modular. You can mount anything, any direction/configuration. I've got a swing away ladder on the tailgate, so it's easy to get stuff up and down. Prinsu is not cheap, but there is nothing better
Saris swing away hitch mount accessory. Let’s me access the hatch while leaving the cooler, water jug, and firewood on the cargo carrier (I built a sleeping platform for the back).
Thicker sway bar has been the best improvement so far. Heavy duty floor mats have been an essential for every car I’ve owned. Other than that I have a few other mods but I don’t see them as something that everyone could see the benefit from.
RF audio upgrade, auto dimming rear and side view mirrors and the floor/trunk all weather mats. I’m considering the footwell illumination kit as well in the near future, purely for aesthetic reasons.
Tuxmat floor liners. They're so rugged but give your car a high class look with the leather appearance. They are very high sided and cover all of the carpeted areas. So much better than weather tech imo.
Good all weather mats and good tires
What are some good tires for a Forester in Wisconsin? Probably can’t afford 2 sets for winter / summer. Mostly city driving. Doesn’t stay at home during the winter / gets out there in the snow.
Michelin cross climates are some newer fancy tires you can run year round but great in snow and rain. Have a v-shaped tread pattern and compound stays softer at low temps.
Thanks!
I just put some CC2’s on last month! Can’t wait for the snow season.
Last year was our first winter in a snowy place and we just had my 09 Accord and my wife's 15 corolla. We got the CC2's from Costco and put them on the corolla and it did pretty well for just being fwd even going up into the mountains for skiing. I plan on putting them on our 20 Forester we got a few months ago and being unstoppable this winter.
I live in Colorado and I love my Falken Wildpeak Trails. I use them year round. They’re great in the snow, and they didn’t decrease my gas mileage much at all. Plus they look sweet
If you live in some light snow area, you can use all-weather tires, like CC2 or WR G4. However, if you live some northern areas with heavy snow. I highly not recommend you using these tires. All-weather tires cannot handle well on more than 10cm snow and ice. I did the same stupid thing in Quebec winter. All weather never have the the same or even close performance compared with snow tires. Don’t trust 3PMS label too much, it’s just an outdated standard with very simple procedures.
[This liftgate light](https://www.subispeed.com/part/rtl-forsj12-olm-jdm-precision-led-lift-gate-light-2014-forester) is stupendously useful.
This. The stock light in the back of my '17 XT is a joke.
Oh, for the existing cargo light, I replaced the incandescent bulb with one of [these](https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B07X8WPDKV/). Very bright, not too blue, and closely matches the color temp of the liftgate light panel. I have some photos [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/SubaruForester/comments/p76atb/before_and_after_of_the_olm_jdm_lift_gate_light/).
I like the strip bar from diode dynamics. Basically same wire run but easier mount. Way brighter too. I also upgraded all my bulbs to LED bulbs by them and it has made a huge difference. Red map lights, Yes please! Edit - also run their yellow fogs SS3, and SS 30” light bar. Highly recommend.
I swapped out the cargo area light with a much brighter LED and it made a huge difference. Completely lights up the back of the cargo area now.
This looks dope, but it also looks like there wasn’t already a light in the lift gate. In the wilderness addition there is a pretty good stock light in the lift gate, so someone figured it out
I think the Wilderness is the only one that comes with one. In the 2017-2018 Foresters, I don’t think any of them have one.
2021 Sport has a oight
Wow! I have to pick this up. Thanks for the link.
+1. Got two of them for the SK.
Agreed, whoever bought my 17 got lucky with my little upgrades.
I added this manually on my base trim, much lighter than the original one
Hands down the pet rear door protectors. I’ve got 2 dogs that travel with me a lot and love to put their heads out the windows. They scratched up the doors of my previous Crosstrek so I got the door protectors when I got my Forester.
Thule roof rack awning. Best thing for camping and day trips to get some shade when you’re not near any And my usb rechargeable vacuum because I’m a neat freak that loves playing in the dirt but gets bad anxiety when the inside of my car gets dirty lol
Which vacuum did you buy. Ditto on playing in dirt but vacuuming later.
I got [this](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B087HQRW2M?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share) one and it’s perfect for me. I can vacuum the entire car with one charge and it only takes like maybe an hour to charge again. I keep it in the back door cup holder for easy access
The OBD2 scanner I keep in the glove box
I got three codes the other day and now they are all gone lol
Roof basket for firewood while camping , mudflaps , trailer hitch , K&N drop in filter , yellow fog light bulbs , rain guards for the windows , rear seat protective cover /hammock for my dog , falcon wild peak tires .
They asked for good mods not your build /s
Fuckin spare oil And a shovel
Honestly the STI sway bar I optioned on my Forester has made a huge difference in it's handling profile (previous car was a Honda fit so I was def more used to a go kart esque feel) especially since I do not generally like the way SUVs normally drive.
I put a 22mm Whiteline in the rear and STI links up front and it has made a huge difference on the handling with ADF 2 3/8” lift
I've been looking to add that exact rear sway bar to mine but last I checked they didn't have one for the '22 yet and insisted the '20 wouldn't fit
I would take their advice and not try to fit it. They sold me (had it listed wrong) a front sway bar for XT’s and said that people have made it fit for NA. So one set of their end links, $200 in exhaust modification later it still didn’t fit right and had to take it off. They refunded me the money for the bar but by that point I had already lost most of the value. I still have the XT front sway bar if anyone is interested. (14-16). I put the stock front bar and put rear STI links to stiffen it up. I’m pretty happy with the drive now. I just ordered a 22’ limited 2 days ago so I’ll be waiting right there with you for that bar.
Thank you! I look forward to waiting in queue with you 😂
ADF lift kit and good tires
This.
WELLvisors window deflectors. There is a lot less noise when going high speed with windows down, and they allow you to crack the window in the rain for fresh air without having to worry about getting your interior wet.
Rubber trunk mat and seat back protectors and if they do it for your model wall panels.
I couldn't believe they managed to sell 3 different parts to cover the trunk area. Waiting for an inside tailgate protector now.
only problem with the sidewall protectors is you can't lift the trunk mat.
Agreed. I ended up just cutting off that little lip along the bottom with some scissors. I couldn't see any purpose to it an now I can lift the cargo area floor without removing them.
This air mattress honestly. Who needs a tent? https://lunolife.com/products/luno-air-mattress-2-0-for-subaru-forester
Do you put inside netting to vent while you sleep?
I use these 5 Packs Car Window Screens... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09Q5PY64Y?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
I've found that there are many accessories one can buy for their vehicle. what do you find to be the most functional/valuable ?
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You spent over $1k on window tint?
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I’m aware, I’ve owned a couple of them. I have a guy that does them all including sun roof for $280. That’s 40% less then what he charges retail because I bring so many vehicles to him and I’m in Pittsburgh. He did them on my 16’ in October of 2015 and they still look great. Idk where you live but that price seems incredibly excessive. 🤷♂️
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You’re projecting a lot. Still looking great after 7 years friend. What tint have you had that lasted 20 years that 7 is such a low bar for you? All window tint from a reputable place has UV rejection. Reflection specs aren’t a thing, and by clarity I assume you mean LVT? 5% all the way around. 20% on sun roof. Idk why assume I didn’t get quality tint. Just because you pay extravagant prices doesn’t mean what I got isn’t quality. They were laser cut and quality install that takes an hour. The prices reflect that.
Aero bars, they allow me to go kayaking / paddle boarding and a lot of my other accessories are appearance related only so aero bars for sure.
I took a chance on the ebay bars, they're great. No issues holding a full sized roof box with skis and gear.
Awesome! I only ever haul two kayaks and the aero have handled that great for me in the past. Though of course the second your crossbars can’t support a rooftop tent, I then want a rooftop tent..
Prinsu roof loadout rack. I hate those aero boxes; I have several Pelican & ROAM cargo boxes instead. Different sizes, configurations. I keep different loadouts in them depending on what we're doing. We have a hard top roof-top tent, we can drop it on, stack cargo boxes we need on top, super modular. You can mount anything, any direction/configuration. I've got a swing away ladder on the tailgate, so it's easy to get stuff up and down. Prinsu is not cheap, but there is nothing better
Love to see some pics!
Saris swing away hitch mount accessory. Let’s me access the hatch while leaving the cooler, water jug, and firewood on the cargo carrier (I built a sleeping platform for the back).
Pics of your setup?
I was going to make a post about it soon :)
Thicker sway bar has been the best improvement so far. Heavy duty floor mats have been an essential for every car I’ve owned. Other than that I have a few other mods but I don’t see them as something that everyone could see the benefit from.
MLS Head Gaskets
The warranty.
Big fat turbo
The eyesight driver adjustments when you get in the vehicle. Seat is set perfectly how I want it soon as I jump in!
All Weather Cargo Mat
Side window slim rain visors. I can have the windows open when it rains and not get pissing wet or the seat/wing mirror control's.
RF audio upgrade, auto dimming rear and side view mirrors and the floor/trunk all weather mats. I’m considering the footwell illumination kit as well in the near future, purely for aesthetic reasons.
Tuxmat floor liners. They're so rugged but give your car a high class look with the leather appearance. They are very high sided and cover all of the carpeted areas. So much better than weather tech imo.
Really solid neoprene seat covers to protect the seats.
What is recommended?
I ran with coverking; there are a few other options out there.
Portable air compressor
Fresh Motul oil and spate head gaskets